Sydney—Bendigo air link a welcome boost for regions

Deputy Prime MinisterMinister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional DevelopmentLeader of The NationalsFederal Member for Riverina

Qantas’ announcement of six weekly air services linking Bendigo and Sydney will be a welcomed boost for regional travel, tourism and connectivity, Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals’ Leader Michael McCormack says.

Mr McCormack said the Liberal & Nationals Government’s investment in the airport had born fruit.

“This announcement follows a recent $15 million upgrade to Bendigo Airport funded in partnership with the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Bendigo, which expanded it as an aviation hub and gateway to the Bendigo and Loddon Mallee region,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is fantastic news for the Bendigo community and the region’s businesses, which will now have direct and fast access to the large Sydney market, while these new services will also promote tourism to the region.

“This upgrade enabled larger aircraft to land at the airport, paving the way for passenger service expansions such as that announced by Qantas.”

Deputy Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said six services per week would start from 31 March 2019.

“The Qantas Bombardier Q300 flight will carry around 50 passengers per flight, delivering a real boost to the local economy,” Senator McKenzie said.

“We congratulate Qantas on becoming the first airline to operate regular passenger transport services following the airport upgrade.

“Having the service will mean that Bendigo is connected directly to domestic and regional flights, improving the freight links out of Bendigo and providing a stimulus to the local tourism industry.”